To the editor:
There is one reason why I am voting Yes to repeal TNOZ II on May 14: It’s the rule stating, if a Family District property has access to town-provided water and sewer, then its zoning rules are automatically (radically) changed.
The Family District currently allows: 1 acre lots, 150’ frontage, 25’ side setbacks and 30’ front setbacks. With TNOZ II, Family District properties that have (or get) access to town water & sewer allows: 1/8 acre lots, 50’ frontage, 5’ side setbacks and 2’ front setbacks.
This is wrong! Zoning should protect neighborhoods from radical changes that impact character and value. Appropriate and gradual changes should be the norm.
Family District zoning has long protected the look and feel of Peterborough neighborhoods. People love our Cheney Avenue neighborhood with its landscaped lots and views of Fernald Field. High density zoning is not appropriate there, but because we have water and sewer (for 30+ years), it is now the law. Instantly switching this area and other Family District areas to high density zoning using an overlay zone that supersedes underlying zoning is totally unfair to homeowners and feels underhanded.
TNOZ II impacted streets include High, Old Dublin, Kaufman, Cheney, East Hill, Arundel, Old Street, Orchard Hill, and Lookout Hill and any Family District property that is eventually served with town water and sewer.
Planning Board: Proposed zoning changes must be thoroughly explained to all impacted homeowners. Talk honestly to all impacted homeowners and LISTEN. If you want zoning changes, be respectful and reasonable. We will be too.
Two years ago we voted for TNOZ II trusting that it was all good. Today all of my neighbors oppose it. Repealing TNOZ II rolls back radical zoning.
TNOZ II went too far, too fast. Bring back normal Family District zoning! Please vote Yes on Zoning Amendment #15 to Repeal TNOZ II.
Jim and Peggy Van Valkenburgh
Peterborough